Deep tech is rapidly emerging as a transformative force across various sectors, promising to revolutionise industries and impact daily life. Innovations in space technology, motor systems and precision agriculture exemplify how deep tech advances are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As these breakthroughs become more integrated into the fabric of modern society, investors are seen more inclined to understand and invest in the sector in India.
Rakshit Bhatt, Co-founder, GalaxEye emphasised, "As a space tech company, GalaxEye is building a constellation of satellites around the Earth. Our mission is to provide real-time, high-resolution images of any location on the planet, at any time of day. This capability will be crucial for national security, helping farmers mitigate financial risks, and tackling climate change.
When I think of deep tech, it's all about applying the fundamental principles of engineering to push the boundaries of innovation. At GalaxEye, we didn’t invent rockets, they were already there. What we’ve done is focus on optimising and reusing them, driving down the cost of putting satellites into orbit. By looking at technology from a first-principles perspective, we’re able to advance what's already possible and create new breakthroughs."
Bhaktha Keshavachar, Co-founder, Chara Technologies said, "At Chara Technologies, 'Chara' means motion in Sanskrit. We are pioneering a new motor technology that eliminates the need for rare earth materials, which come with their own set of challenges, especially since 90 per cent of the supply chain is controlled by our neighbouring countries. For us, deep tech means creating ground-breaking products that are not only innovative but also practical and deployable on a global scale. Our mission has always been to develop technology that is entirely new, proudly made in India and deployed worldwide."
Vishesh Rajaram, Founder, Speciale Invest, stated, “People often ask me whether building or investing in a business should be centred around a 10-year future outlook. My answer always starts with the first principle, the business must be able to competitively survive for the next ten years, generate consistent profits and ultimately create long-term shareholder value. It’s not just about sustaining a company today, but ensuring it thrives in the future. If I want to be successful ten years from now, I can’t simply focus on the present. I need to anticipate future trends, challenges and opportunities and build a strategy that positions the business for future success. This forward-thinking approach is what will allow a company to stay relevant, profitable and deliver value to its shareholders over the long term."
Mayuresh Raut, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Seafund, said, “My journey into investment started with semiconductors and battery cell manufacturing, both critical and rapidly evolving sectors. Growing up in India, I witnessed the typical societal expectations, where parents often encouraged their children to become engineers, doctors or professionals in similar fields. Like many, I pursued engineering and specialised in material science. This foundation gave me a strong technical understanding, which became incredibly valuable as I entered the venture capital space.
From early on, I had a vision that my career would eventually lead me to manage significant capital, whether in private equity, hedge funds or venture capital. I was always drawn to the idea of not just investing in companies but also strategically guiding their growth.”
Dhanashree Mandhani, Founder and CEO, Salam Kisan said, "During my four years of studying in the U.S., I noticed a significant gap between American and Indian farmers, particularly in their access to technology. This inspired me to create Salam Kisan with the mission of democratising data-driven and precision agriculture for Indian farmers. For us, deep tech means utilising advanced technologies and making them accessible and practical for everyday use. In India, 66% of the population is engaged in agriculture in some way, and we aim to empower them with these complex technologies to improve their day-to-day farming practices."
The panel discussion on “Charting The Deep Tech Horizon: Investing in Tomorrow's Breakthroughs” explored how deep tech innovation will revolutionise the future. With entrepreneurs and investors at the forefront, the session delved into the development of ground-breaking solutions across diverse fields, including space technology, motor systems, precision agriculture and venture capital. The panellists shared their expertise on how deep tech was more than a buzzword, but a transformative force reshaping industries and influencing lives. The panel was moderated by Sudhir Rao, Senior Partner, Celesta Capital.
Sudhir Rao, Senior Partner, Celesta Capital emphasised, “"Going deep is never easy. It’s like venturing to the deep end of the pool, it requires effort and courage. Exploring uncharted territory and trying new things, especially when they’re complex, is challenging. But look at these founders. When you visit their websites, you see that their vision goes beyond just words. They have an extraordinary drive because it’s not easy to be the first in anything.
Achieving the top rank, being number one, it all starts with going back to the basics, with understanding the core principles. And that’s what these founders are doing, they're not just inventing, they’re innovating right here in India. And as they often say, it's 'Made in India, for the world.'"
